Rushford is just one of a handful of Minnesota communities with council seats up for grabs this year. Expiring were the terms of Councilors Terri Benson and Jim O’Donnell. Mayor Chris Hallum opted not to seek reelection, after 10 years in the role, so Benson, who’s served as a councilor since 2015, filed for his position. O’Donnell also filed for reelection to extend his position, which he’s held since 2015. No other candidates filed as Benson’s replacement, however, two area residents, Doug Botcher and Leigh Volkman ran write-in campaigns.
While all results are unofficial until canvassed by the council at the November 12 meeting, City Clerk Kathy Zacher provided results. Just over 18% of the total registered and new voters filled election ballots in the off-year election. Benson handily won the unoppposed mayoral seat with 183 votes to the six write-in votes. Botcher and Volkman tied, each with 59 votes, and 19 miscellaneous other write-ins were noted.
Minnesota election law has procedures in place for tie votes. “If the canvassing board – which is the City Council – accepts the count from the election judges, the council shall determine the tie by lot to declare a winner,” stated Zacher. This will also take place during canvassing of results November 12.